Algeria beaches covered with brownish algae

On certain beaches of Algeria. However, the brownish algae covered the golden sand and gave a muddy appearance to sea water. Meanwhile, Faced with this invasive species, the authorities launched a cleaning campaign, volunteers and leaflets in support.

In Sidi Fredj. For example, the famous seaside resort located about twenty kilometers west of Algiers, dozens of volunteers and members of associations rattle the shore, picking up the “Rugulopteryx Okamurae” – its scientific name – by pelletées.

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In Algeria, the presence of this algae from the Pacific Ocean was detected at the algeria beaches covered brownish algae end of 2023 on the Center Côte, according to Dr Lamia Bahbah, a teacher-researcher affiliated to the National School of Sea Sciences and Littoral Development (ENSSMAL).

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The species quickly proliferated, threatening the local ecosystem. It is particularly recognizable by its foul smell.

When she fails on the shore, “you can’t swim”, regrets Salim Hemmedi, a 43 -year -old vacationer. But with the launch of this campaign. which continues until August 16, “we hope that the situation will improve so that we can enjoy” and that “children can swim in peace”.

Visiting a beach, the Minister of the Environment, Nadjiba Djilali, wanted to be algeria beaches covered brownish algae reassuring.

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“Are waters suitable for swimming?” Yes, ”she told the press.

“Will these algae cause allergies (among bathers)?” At this hour, no, ”she insisted.

Invasion

But these algae have strongly proliferated compared to 2023 and 2024, warns Youcef Segni, maritime engineer and laboratory biologist.

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“They invade the places of life of other algae in the seabed, which leads to algeria beaches covered brownish algae the disappearance of these algae (natives) then the disappearance of animals such as fish,” he explains.

In Marseille. in France, as well as in Spain, the presence of this alga has also been reported in recent years.

In February. the Spanish football club of Betis Seville launched a new jersey made from the “Rugulopteryx Okamurae”, to raise public awareness of the ecological crisis which it causes on the Andalusian coast.

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According to the Algerian Ministry of the Environment, the presence of algae was observed in three of the coastal wilayas (prefectures) of the country, in particular the capital with 16 beaches concerned.

According to algeria beaches covered brownish algae Dr. Bahbah, stop the proliferation of this alga is “unfortunately impossible at this stage”. In particular because of its mode of reproduction. “sexual and asexual”: “a small detached fragment can live for a long time and give birth to a new individual”.

The temperature of the Mediterranean. the means of maritime transport (it can cling to the hulls of boats) also promote its spread.

In Algeria. to prevent the heaps of algae recovered from decomposing on the beaches, trucks and leaflets came to transport them.

“This brown alga, Rugulopteryx Okamurae, which comes from Japan, we will fight it. The toxic. invasive macroalgae surveillance network regularly follows its expansion, its development and its evolution, ”says Fella Zaboudj, state engineer in marine sciences.

Studies are underway, she specifies, to see if it can be valued, especially as fertilizers.